WINDSOR - After learning that Gov. Rod Blagojevich wanted to close Wolf Creek State Park, which in turn would completely shut down Wolf Creek Riding Stables, owner Kelly Bland is champing at the bit to begin the battle to save her business.

"I have just begun my fight with the governor," Bland said Thursday afternoon.

She's not the only one.

State lawmakers vowed to fight the closure of Wolf Creek and Hidden Springs State Forest in Shelby County, both of which appear on a list of recreational facilities apparently slated to be closed.

However, according to state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, details are sketchy. In fact, he had to hear about the closings from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources following a fruitless call to the governor's office.

"He didn't even brief area legislators about it, which seems to me to be very poor form," Flider said of the governor, a fellow Democrat.

"There are no details on this - what's permanent, what's temporary," Flider added. He also said it is no coincidence that word of the closings went out while the governor is "out giving hugs" at the Democratic National Convention.

The two Shelby County facilities are among about two dozen state parks and other sites to be closed in October and November as a result of the state's ongoing budget crisis.

Flider said he and other lawmakers are investigating whether the actions violate the State Facilities Closure Act, which requires hearings prior to action. "This isn't a decision (the governor) makes arbitrarily without a good fight," said Flider, who Friday sent a letter to Blagojevich seeking answers.

Local tourism officials, meanwhile, said they are worried and angry.

Just this year, Bland won a five-year state contract to reopen the riding stables within Wolf Creek State Park, and she committed to $7,500 in capital improvements over the life of the agreement. She has already borrowed and invested that money, renovating a dilapidated barn, utilities and fencing.

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